Top 10 Characteristics for Evaluating an Enterprise Architect Certification Program

As the field of Enterprise Architecture (EA) grows and the number of practitioners also
increases, the need to distinguish Enterprise Architecture from other professions is
greater than ever. Additionally, the need for proper EA training and certification is ever
increasing.
Because of these needs, it is not surprising that even in a young field such as
Enterprise Architecture, the number of certification programs to choose from is growing.
Type in Enterprise Architect Certification in any search engine and see the vast
number of results.
With many Enterprise Architect Certification programs to choose from, picking the right
one can be a difficult task. With no set of worldwide recognized standards for EA
certification yet available, how do you know you are picking the right one? Which
Certification programs will give you the best measures of an architects capabilities?
We have developed a checklist based upon questions commonly asked by those
seeking Enterprise Architect Certification. This checklist will enable you to evaluate
each Certification program, aid in your selection process, and ensure the EA
Certification program you choose delivers the most practical, effective measure of
enterprise architect maturity and capabilities possible.

(EACOE) Enterprise Architecture Center Of Excellence www.EACOE.org (810) 231-6356 - Page 1 of 4

Top 10 Characteristics for Evaluating an Enterprise Architect Certification Program

Top 10 Enterprise Architect Certification Program Characteristics Checklist

1. You Can Actually Develop an Effective Enterprise Architecture After You
Finish the Certification Program
This is the number one criteria for any Enterprise Architect Certification program. A
good certification program does not leave its attendees feeling lost once the program is
over and they are certified. A certified Enterprise Architect should be fully capable,
confident and have a good understanding on how to conduct an architecture project
immediately after they finish the program. The program should provide them with a
toolset (manuals, project plans, templates, etc.) to begin architecture projects. A
complete Enterprise Architecture Certification program would include:

An Enterprise Architecture Process

An Enterprise Architecture Classification, Taxonomy, and Framework
An Enterprise Architecture Work Breakdown Structure and Methodology
An Enterprise Architect Maturity Model
An Organization Change Model, Process, Methodology and Work Breakdown
Structure
A Set of Business Understanding Components
A Set of Technology Understanding Components
An Understanding of Enterprise Architecture Models
An Understanding of Enterprise Solution Models
Components geared toward short term value, that can be built upon to provide
long term value
Templates and tools to provide immediate practitioner guidance
Criteria to allow practitioners to be recognized for growing competencies, as their
experience grows, based on actual Enterprise Architecture enablement activities
Classroom presentation and workshop materials

2. Theoretical Soundness
Every discipline, whether it is mathematics, chemistry, or social work, has a theoretical
background. Additionally, theory is the basis for ideas, techniques, and knowledge
methodologies are based upon. As a result, certified Enterprise Architects must study
the theory behind the methodologies being taught. Of course, theory is not enough for
any practitioner. Therefore, without a sound understanding of what Enterprise
Architecture is and how to move from theory to practice, the true value of EA work will
not be achieved. Methodologies taught in EA certification programs should have a
traceable theoretical soundness.

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Top 10 Characteristics for Evaluating an Enterprise Architect Certification Program

Top 10 Enterprise Architect Certification Program Characteristics Checklist

(continued)
3. Defined Body of Knowledge - Method
In order to advance the EA profession, a body of knowledge must be defined and the
methods taught in the certification program must use this as a reference point. If a
defined body of knowledge is utilized, EA results will be consistent and can be verified
against this to ensure success. Of course, this body of knowledge will grow over time,
and the certification programs theoretical and practicing knowledge base will need to be
updated, as new understandings are discovered, practiced, and verified.
4. Practitioner-Based
The Certifying organization should be comprised of practitioners - Enterprise Architects
who have actually practiced and continue to practice Enterprise Architecture. The
instructor(s) and advisory Board of Directors should be Enterprise Architects
themselves, practicing the same body of knowledge and methodologies taught in the
certification program. The practicing Enterprise Architects understandings will be
balanced with the need for theoretical soundness, and will maintain that understanding.
5. Demonstrate Competency
The certification program should not just be a series of lectures. Furthermore, the
attendees should not just take a test or be interviewed by experts to show competency.
The curriculum should encourage attendees to practice the theories, and methodologies
being taught, and present opportunities for analysis of demonstrated work in a
Workshop environment. There is nothing like having to actually do something in front of
others to focus your attention! Enterprise Architecture is founded on communicating
with a wide array of people in business and IT roles, amongst many other
characteristics, and Enterprise Architecture skills need to be demonstrated. For
advanced certification, demonstration of additional enterprise architecture work products
is necessary to illustrate proficiency. This competency also needs to be re-certified on
a period basis, as is the practice with most professions and professional organizations.
6. Instructors
Instructors must be practitioners of Enterprise Architecture themselves, well versed in
both the theory and practice of Enterprise Architecture. When they are not teaching,
they should be practicing the same body of knowledge being taught in the certification
program. A good instructor needs to balance their time in the classroom with time doing
actual Enterprise Architecture activities within their enterprise or client enterprises.
They are then able to provide a positive learning experience, create an open forum for
knowledge sharing, and are able to share personal project experiences with the
attendees. Preferably, instructors have at least 10 years of experience practicing
Enterprise Architecture, and at least 25 client/enterprise engagements.

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Top 10 Characteristics for Evaluating an Enterprise Architect Certification Program

Top 10 Enterprise Architect Certification Program Characteristics Checklist

(continued)
7. Client Case Studies
The EA certification instructors must be able to offer real examples from real
organizations. Attendees want to hear about successful EA projects and pitfalls, not
just theoretical examples. Actual stories, quotes, models, and even pictures, not only
enhance the learning process but also prove to attendees that the defined body of
knowledge they will be utilizing actually works.
8. Initiative Formation
Enterprise Architecture does not end with a series of models. If the Enterprise
Architecture activities end with a series of models, then what you have is a series of
models. The Enterprise Architecture methodology taught at the certification program
should enable the Enterprise Architect to provide their business or client with an answer
to the all too-familiar question what am I supposed to do Monday morning?!! Simply
handing the client a leather-bound book with one thousand pages of text, or a series of
models, will not allow them to move forward. Appropriately certified Enterprise
Architects will be able to deliver a prioritized business aligned roadmap a set of
actions or initiatives - to proceed from the architecture descriptors.
9. Renewal of Certification
Most professional certifications are limited in time. A persons certification means
nothing if they last time they practiced in the field was years ago. Similar to other
professions, Enterprise Architecture certification should be consistent with this concept.
Additionally, as the Certified Enterprise Architect completes architecture projects and
demonstrates continued practice in the field, their hard work and accomplishments
should be recognized through different levels of certification. Advanced certifications,
based on the number of actual successful Enterprise Architecture engagements, is one
measure of meeting advanced certification requirements.
10. Vendor Neutral
The certifying organization should not accept funding or support from outside sources
such as software or service vendors. While software or service vendors are
encouraged to attend certification programs and are welcome, this neutrality is
necessary to ensure all Enterprise Architects are practicing from the same body of
knowledge without bias or outside influence. Professions outside of Enterprise
Architecture have maintained this requirement successfully.

This article was prepared by Dana Baer, an EACOE Enterprise Architect Fellow. She can be
reached at Dana.Baer@PinnacleBusGrp.com.

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